Brisbane Airport: Mum and baby left stranded after taxis refuse rides
An Australian mother has criticised the taxi industry after she and her baby were left stranded in the intense heat at Brisbane Airport, with several taxis allegedly refusing to take them on Monday.
The woman shared her experience on Reddit, explaining that after arriving from Adelaide with her eight-month-old baby and a friend, they went to the busy taxi rank only to be rejected by three drivers.
“We thought grabbing a cab would be quick and simple, right? As we’d read, you can take an infant in them without a car seat,” she wrote.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“We walk up the taxi rank, to not only be refused by one but three.”
She added, “The last guy didn’t want to take us in his maxi for some reason.”
The mother claimed the drivers were okay with her travelling with a baby but turned them away because the short 10-minute trip meant a lower fare.
“Obviously wasn’t enough of a fare for them,” she said.
“We were just sweating our guts out, worried about our baby in the heat and ready to give up.
“Meanwhile, the security there was on our side, arguing with these taxi drivers, upset for us. We finally got in one.”
Many people supported the mother in the comments, sharing similar stories about taxis refusing short fares.
“However, that’s part of the job, and you’re not always going to get the $100 trips. If they don’t like it, maybe they shouldn’t go to the airport,” one commenter said.
The mother tipped the driver who agreed to take them and praised airport security for their support.
“Shout out to that awesome taxi driver, who we tipped and shout out to the airport security guy there yesterday, standing up for us,” she said.
“I’d report them, but I was so flustered and angry, I just wanted to get home. I didn’t grab any number plates or names.”
Brisbane Airport told The Nightly in a statement: “Fare refusal is illegal in Queensland, and our kerbside officers will attempt to assist passengers where possible. We urge members of the travelling public to report any issues with taxi drivers directly to cab companies so further action can be taken.”
A 13cabs spokesperson said, “Drivers were not allowed to refuse fares, and if a 13cabs was involved, the passenger was urged to report the taxi plate number so the company could take action.”
